Three people have died as a result of torrential rain in Morobe Province, according to Lae’s Metropolitan Commander, Superintendent James Luan.
Superintendent Luan reported that one man attempting to cross the Yalu River was swept downstream by floodwaters. His body was later recovered after the river’s levels subsided.
In a separate incident, two men were killed in a landslide triggered by the overflow of a creek at Bumbi Settlement, Bumayong. The landslide buried them yesterday.
Luan also noted that police are currently stationed at the Yalu Bridge, providing security to the traveling public and assisting contractors in creating a temporary bypass to maintain access.
The police force is increasing manpower today to continue their operations.
The Morobe Disaster Office and its stakeholders have yet to assess the full extent of the damages caused by the heavy rainfall in Lae city and other districts of Morobe since Thursday night.